Vincent Touati-Tomas

📢 Here's our monthly round-up of funding opportunities for UK creative organisations, businesses and freelancers. If there is an opportunity we've missed, please add it in the comments. 🤖 High Growth AI Accelerator - accelerator programme for UK-based startups, scaleups and SMEs to help them validate and develop AI and ML deep-tech solutions for the creative industries. Delivered by Digital Catapult, there are four commercial challenges to choose from: ◽ Digital Media (with LADbible Group) ◽ Leisure Industry (with Merlin Entertainments) ◽ Radio Media (with Bauer Media Group) ◽ Music Industry (with Music Technology UK)  Apply by 21 July.  https://lnkd.in/e34dsZrn   🎶 Music Revenue Fund - Music businesses in Wales can apply to Creative Wales / Cymru Greadigol for up to £40,000 for support with campaigns for new releases, promoting live music, sync or catalogue music and Welsh language music. Apply by 22 July. https://lnkd.in/e-8vQVFy   🌲 Creative Catalyst Challenge fund - creative entrepreneurs and companies can apply to Creative UK for a share of a total grant pot of £250,000 for projects to decarbonise or reduce waste in the UK creative sector. Apply by 22 July.  https://lnkd.in/eDuVyFTN    🙌 Innovate UK Investor Partnerships: SME round 8 - UK businesses working in the creative industries or XR for digital mental health can apply for grant funding alongside private investment from selected investor partners. Apply by 14 August. https://lnkd.in/e6ZuMb8P

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#Startup support comes in varied shapes and sizes and #legal guidance can often be overlooked in the rapid growth runway. 🙄 So we're proud to be working with SeedLegals to address the balance. We will be sharing each other's expertise across all channels, with the aim to ensure no area is overlooked to help startups scale successfully! For some great guidance, check out their Top UK Accelerator List 2024. This will save you a lot of time (and yes we're included!). https://lnkd.in/e2neRbKj Kerstin Reichert Meera Mawkin Vasu Sarin

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Getting investors to travel is hard. When it comes to Demo Day, regional UK and European accelerators based outside the principal pools of venture capital (London, Berlin, Paris....) are at a disadvantage. So, accelerators: here's a radical solution: Take your cohort showcase to where the money is! Bring your cohort to London, and we do the rest with a fully managed Demo Day program. Pitchflix is the company that brings you rev, the VC reverse pitch series for pre-seed to series A founders; warp, the accelerator reverse pitch series for the earliest-stage founders; and now DDHQ so that at the end of the accelerator program, the cohort has an opportunity to engage with genuine investors.

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🚀 The B Word: New Episode Alert! 🚀 In this episode Jesse Swash is joined by Stephen Millard from Notion Capital to explore the decision-making process of venture capitalists (VCs) when investing in Software as a Service (SaaS) businesses. 💡 🔍 Discover the specific triggers and criteria VCs look for in potential investments, especially those in the build or scaling stages. Our discussion dives deep into: ✨ The value VCs bring to the table ✨ The qualities they seek in entrepreneurs ✨ The key elements that influence their investment decisions Don't miss these invaluable insights! Tune in now to understand what makes a SaaS business stand out to VCs. 📈💼 #VentureCapital #SaaS #Investment #TheBWord #NotionCapital #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Podcast #branding #brand 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eqR3Tags

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Take a trip back in time with this episode of Nothing Ventured from the archives. Aarish spoke to Alexander Leigh 🎙🎥, now an Investment Director at Future Planet Capital and the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund investing in defense and space deeptech. Alex is host of The Tippy Top © Podcast 🎙 / Blog ✍ / Vlog 📽 and at the time of the recording was a Senior VC Investor at Development Bank of Wales. Three of the key takeaways from this episode were: 1️⃣ Embracing Ubuntu in Business: Alex highlighted the importance of the Ubuntu philosophy in entrepreneurship, emphasising collective well-being and interconnectedness. He argues that this community-focused approach contrasts with the individualistic mindset prevalent in developed economies and can be a transformative force in the business world. 2️⃣ Early-Stage Investment Insights: Alex discussed the unique value of investing in early-stage ventures. He explained that despite the inherent risks, early investments allow for significant value creation as companies grow. This is a core strategy in VC and at the Development Bank of Wales more specifically, which aims to support startups from the ground up, providing both capital and incubation. 3️⃣ Personal Growth Through Entrepreneurship: Alex shared his journey and the lessons learned from his own entrepreneurial experiences. He stressed the invaluable life skills gained through starting and managing businesses, and how these experiences shaped his approach to both personal and professional challenges. Subscribe and rate wherever you get your podcasts :) Spotify: https://lnkd.in/djeJUytb Apple: https://lnkd.in/dNHJph76 __________________ Follow Aarish and Nothing Ventured on LinkedIn, ring our bells and all that good stuff or see what else we're up to here 👇🏾 ✍🏾 Sign up to Off Balance newsletter: https://lnkd.in/d95ktRFa 📖 Sign up for early access to the Off Balance Book - 100 lessons from 2 decades as CFO and CEO: https://lnkd.in/dB44-xET #Startups #CFOInsights #VentureCapital #NothingVenturedPodcast #founder #business #finance #investor #vc

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Over £6m of AI upskilling fund has been launched to help SMEs in the professional and business services sectors. SMEs across the UK are invited to apply for a share of the fund aimed at enhancing their workforce's AI skills. The UK Government are offering up to £10,000 per business to integrate AI. It's estimated that 2,000 SMEs employing fewer than 250 staff who will be able to benefit from this initiative. Reimbursements will cover 50% of the cost of AI skills training. Applications close on 31st May 2024. Find out more in this article in Startups Magazine: https://lnkd.in/e2Wfgphf 👈 #AI #SMEs #tech #scaleups

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#Climatetech companies make up most of the UK’s fastest-growing startups. That’s according to an interesting new piece in Sifted, which runs through the 10 teams that have expanded most rapidly over the past 12 months. Notable examples are the renewable energy infrastructure startup Field, and hydrogen-based zero-emission fuels company GeoPura. #Fintech, #edtech and #GenerativeAI startups also feature in the list, which provides a fascinating snapshot of the UK startup scene right now: https://lnkd.in/eUF8PNNv

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📣 Upscale is back! We're excited to open applications for our renowned #Upscale programme, equipping scaleups on the road to raising Series B. Catered to ambitious founders and their leadership teams, #Upscale will look to accelerate the growth of the UK's most promising mid-stage tech companies by equipping them with the knowledge, connections and tools needed to successfully scale up, with emphasis on preparing for Series B investment. The 3 month programme consists of expert-led workshops, peer-to-peer support and access to a vast network of successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders. These resources will help to ensure a comprehensive support system is in place for those businesses seeking rapid expansion and sustainable growth within their field. Join our established Upscale programme to: 💬 Connect Engage in peer-to-peer support with fellow founders to share insights, experiences, and advice. 👥 Network Build relationships with senior executives and industry leaders to expand your professional network. 🔎 Deep Dive Participate in specialised workshops focusing on key areas like People, Operations, and Finance. 💸 Prepare Equip your company with the strategies and knowledge needed to secure Series B funding. 🔑 Access Tap into the expertise of Upscale Coaches, Alumni, and the Founders Forum Group investor network. 🌟 Shine Gain recognition as one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK, enhancing your market presence through opportunities for exposure. ⏰ Applications will be open until 19th August, with the programme starting on 24th September 2024. For more details and how to apply, follow this link 👉 https://lnkd.in/g8_4X8V HSBC Innovation Banking | Founders Forum Group Jos Smart | Chantelle Young | Deanna Emeny | Ellie Steel | Emily Miller | Sammy Fry | Johnny M. | Marco De Novellis | Francesca Arese Lucini | Carolyn Dawson | Brent Hoberman #Upscale #WeAreTechNation #TechNation #Startups #Founders #InnovationForAll #SupportingScaleups #SeriesBSupport

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"London, home to only about 11% of the UK population, captured approximately 65% of total VC funding in 2023. This discrepancy suggests that access to resources, expertise, and networks is disproportionately skewed towards the capital." A snippet taken from a recent article on why the UK needs to decentralise its startup ecosystem. Building regional investment ecosystems is a mission close to our heart which is a key reason behind our support for Britain's Got Startups. Take a read below to find out more about what needs to be done to harness the UK's talent potential: https://lnkd.in/eAkweSRP

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Have you heard about the Small Business Research + Enterprise Centre (SBREC)? If not, you're missing out on one of the best resources available for startups and small businesses across the UK. SBREC, backed by the City of London Corporation, offers a treasure trove of tools and support to help your business. It’s a one stop shop for small businesses starting out. SBREC provides everything from market research and company contacts to expert business guidance. Plus, if you're in the city and need a meeting space, you can hire one of their meeting rooms. They don’t charge big membership fees and they have free programmes for business owners. Including the free E-business Support Programme for businesses in the City of London and Tower Hamlets, a fully-funded package that includes 1:1 advice, webinars, and events designed to boost your digital capabilities. Pictured Karen Holden our founder speaking at a recent SBREC event. Find out more about SBREC and how they can help your business on their LinkedIn page Small Business Research + Enterprise Centre Please share this with any businesses that might be able to use this opportunity to grow their business! #ACityLawFirm Disruptive lawyers for rapid growth businesses and emerging technologies

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📮 Applications are now open for our prestigious #Upscale programme - equipping scaleups on the road to raising #SeriesB. 📈 We're bringing Upscale back to accelerate the growth of the UK's most promising mid-stage tech companies, equipping them with the knowledge, connections and tools required to successfully scale! 🧨 Catered to ambitious founders and their leadership teams, this programme is tailor made for startups preparing for Series B investment in the challenging fundraising environment which businesses face. 🤝 Back by popular demand, our new Upscale cohort will have access to expert-led workshops, peer-to-peer support and a vast network of successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders, ensuring that they have what they need to thrive. 👥 The Upscale cohort and alumni will tap into the skills, experiences and expertise they require to continue their scaling journey. They will contribute to and benefit from a vast private network of peers who can provide valuable insight as they continue their progression. Find out more & apply 👉 https://lnkd.in/g8_4X8V HSBC Innovation Banking | Founders Forum Group Jos Smart | Chantelle Young | Deanna Emeny | Ellie Steel | Sammy Fry | Johnny M. | Marco De Novellis | Francesca Arese Lucini | Puja DeGamia | Alex Hazell #Upscale #WeAreTechNation #TechNation #Startups #Founders #InnovationForAll #SupportingScaleups #SeriesBSupport

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Investment opportunity just landed 💫 🧑‍💻B2B SaaS impacting sustainable fashion 👚Partnerships secured with major retailers 🌍In talks with global brands 💵£350k funding secured 💵Looking to raise £100,000k ✅EIS approved Interested? Register on www.fundmypitch.com to see the full deck, or drop Steven Mooney a message #investmentoppotuity #earlystageinvestment #angelinvestment #startup

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🚨 Applications for the Innovate UK BridgeAI Accelerator close THIS SUNDAY! 🚨 We’re partnered with Digital Catapult for a High Growth AI Accelerator specifically focusing on the UK’s creative sector. This is a 14-week accelerator programme for UK-based start-ups, scaleups and SMEs to help them validate and develop responsible, ethical and desirable AI and ML deep-tech solutions. The challenges developed by Music Technology UK are focused on how AI can support the huge opportunities for growth and innovation in the music industry, and redefine how music is created, produced, consumed and distributed. So if you’ve got ideas to simplify rights management, enhance efficiency, and empower artists in monetisation and visibility amidst digital streaming platforms, get them in to us this week! With access to top-tier resources, mentorship, and industry expertise that will accelerate your growth, what are you waiting for? Apply now. Link in the comments ⬇️ STFC Hartree Centre | The Alan Turing Institute | BSI #AI #CreativeIndustries#Transport #musicindustry #musicbusiness #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #startup #musictech

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Swiipr Raises £6m in Series A Funding Led by Octopus Ventures Co-founder and Chairman of Swiipr, Ian Clowes added: “Swiipr solves a real live global issue for airlines which is only going to become more challenging with climate change. Now, thanks to Octopus, our Series A capital will enable us to enhance our solutions even further and accelerate our growth helping us to achieve our vision of eliminating compensation friction points wherever they exist”. https://lnkd.in/gRkeE-DC Tara Spielhagen Hale Tosin Agbabiaka TX Group AG Jens Schleuniger #fintech #finance #banking #paytech #payments #fintechnews #paymentsnews

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The 10 Fastest-Growing Startup Teams In The UK Like 2023, climate tech dominates this year’s 10 fastest-growing startups, counting four companies among the ranks, following another record year on the fundraising roadshow for the sector. There’s also a fintech, biotech, edtech, foodtech, agritech and a GenAI startup on the list. #startups #genAI  

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Barclays Eagle Labs have launched their new Eagle Labs Academy, funded by the @UK Government, designed to support startups and scaleups. The Academy provides everyone with access to free learning content and entrepreneurship training, wherever they are in the UK. This applies to both founders right at the start of their journey all the way up to those trying to scale. You can expect to gain the skills, knowledge and expertise needed to support you as you launch and grow your business. Long-form insights and bite-size lessons are designed to offer practical insights – in a flexible framework, so you can learn what you need at a pace that suits you. https://lnkd.in/ek8PYN6F Nana Agyemang

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Are you an investor looking to lead the future of innovation? We’re a venture studio and we offer tech, capital, and advisory services to fuel the growth of UK AI startups and scale-ups. 1. Tech build: Our specialist engineering company, thestartupfactory.tech, provides technical expertise, design, and build services for startups and scale-ups. 2. Capital: Our upcoming EIS-qualified fund will invest in UK-based AI entrepreneurs, starting at £250k (pre-seed) to over £1m (Seed+). We invest in what we build, so you can be confident that we're backing companies with the potential to succeed. 3. Advisory: Strategic support covering everything from planning to legal/IP— because we're entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs. Join our funding revolution and start backing today’s AI winners: https://ehe.ai/register/ #VentureStudio #Innovation #EHEVentures #TechFunding

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📥Ballot papers at the ready!? Curious about how the upcoming election might shape the future of UK tech startups? Check out our latest blog post for our insights into the main parties' policies - there isn't a lot of information to base it on to be honest, but we've scoured what we can and here are our findings and thoughts. Link in the comments. #UKElection2024 #TechStartups #PropellerTech

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